Entry in the Unique Ship Challenge III.
SHIP: "Grey Feather", Swan ship
The Grey Feather is owned and operated by the halflings who inhabit the farming asteroid they call "Pearball". The ship is their link to the outside world, allowing them to trade what they grow for things they cannot produce. Neither the ship nor the asteroid is very tough, so they should be located in an area where they can be defended by a force like the IEN or where there are not many dangers.
MODIFICATIONS: minor helm
MISSION: Transport crops to market, return worked goods to home asteroid, and avoid trouble.
(all are halflings)
Olo
(C6,F6/m)
Captain of the ship and cleric of the halfling power Arvoreen, "The Defender". Olo is a middle-aged halfling who has seen more fighting than most of his kind. In his early youth he did some adventuring; on one quest he found the Wand of Furious Insects he still carries (does damage like wand of fire's fireball, but by conjuring dense swarm of bugs, which vanishes after doing damage. 5 charges, command word "Bzzam"). Now Olo is more conservative, always seeking to protect his ship, crew, and home. He will aid other travellers if necessary. As part of his religious beliefs, he will not attack first in combat. Typical spell selection: Bless, 2xCure Light Wounds, Silence 15' Radius, Hold Person, Heat Metal, Dispel Magic, Prayer.
Chlordo
(C2,F2/m)
Acolyte of Arvoreen, assistant to Olo, and helmsman. Unusually big and strong for a halfling (strength 17) but somewhat slow upstairs (intelligence 7). Loyalty to Olo bordering on worship.
Fildi
(C3/f)
Cleric of halfling pantheon and helmswoman. Besides helm duty, Fildi is on the ship to keep an eye on Olo for Ardali, Olo's wife and Fildi's superior back on Pearball. Fildi tends to disapprove of any sort of adventurism.
Wangori
(F5/f)
Captain of the guard, in charge of security and weapons training for the crew. Rather vain about her appearance, tending towards silks and feathers. Oddly, she tends to go berzerk in combat, wearing a huge horned helmet and wielding a +2 longsword.
Willifo
(F3/m)
Ship's weaponsmaster, in charge of the ballista and catapult. A somewhat old and grizzled fighter. He has a gambling problem and owes money to many crew members and to a local thieves' guild.
Others: there are 20 more halfling sailor/farmers. They are equipped with leather armor, slings, and hand axes or spears. If no trouble is expected, they do not wear armor.
There are also 2-8 war dogs on board.
If travelling to market, they will be loaded with things like pipeweed, tabacco, fruit, beer, wine, cheese, etc. If returning home, they will have things like sugar, livestock, cloth, liquor, and iron tools (no blacksmith on Pearball). They usually carry little coin, prefering to barter.
If combat is inevitable (and given Chlordo's and Fildi's low levels, it will be hard to avoid), Olo will prepare by casting Bless and Prayer. As the enemy draws within range, they will use the wand and open fire with sling bullets. Before boarding, they will attempt to move their ship such that the swan's "head" can fire down on the enemy deck. As soon as possible, they will withdraw and flee.
